Chord Calculator
Build a Chord
Select a root note and chord type to see all the notes
Diatonic Chords in Key
Show all chords that naturally occur in a major or minor key
Formula
Major = R + 4 + 7 | Minor = R + 3 + 7 | Dim = R + 3 + 6 | Aug = R + 4 + 8 | Dom7 = R + 4 + 7 + 10 | Maj7 = R + 4 + 7 + 11 | Min7 = R + 3 + 7 + 10
Frequently Asked Questions
How are chords built?
Chords are built by stacking intervals (distances in semitones) above a root note. A major chord uses the formula Root + Major 3rd (4 semitones) + Perfect 5th (7 semitones). A minor chord uses Root + Minor 3rd (3) + Perfect 5th (7).
What are diatonic chords?
Diatonic chords are the chords built using only the notes of a particular key. In C major, the diatonic chords are C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim. These are the chords that naturally occur without any sharps or flats outside the key.
What is a suspended chord?
A suspended (sus) chord replaces the 3rd with either the 2nd (sus2) or the 4th (sus4). This creates a more open, ambiguous sound that wants to resolve back to a major or minor chord.
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